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Tickets still hot for Elton tennis tourney AIDS benefit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta real estate developer Charlie Hendon (below, top) has become one of Sir Elton John’s secret weapons as VIP tickets to this Sunday’s Advanta World Team Tennis benefit continue to steadily sell despite the current economic uncertainties.
Only a few of the $350 tickets remain for the Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit starring Sir Elton, his pal Billie Jean King and tennis pro pals Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Anna Kournikova (with John at right at ‘04 benefit) and Donald Young.
“It’s frustrating when people look the other way,” Hendon told Buzz. “It’s not about contributing to the trendiest cause for me. It’s about a problem that has yet to be solved worldwide. This is not the time to stop. AIDS is nowhere near over.”
Hendon concedes the economic climate has shifted considerably since he first signed on this year to co-chair the benefit, which will feature Sir Elton, King, Roddick and the others playing spirited exhibition sets after a celebrity-soaked brunch.
But for Hendon, helping the Peachtree Road singer-songwriter’s favorite charity is a way to give back to the legendary performer.
As the child of divorced parents and an alcoholic father, Hendon says Elton John’s music helped him through a lot of rough spots growing up.
“Music was my drug and Elton’s music was my drug of choice,” Hendon told us. “His melodies and Bernie [Taupin’s] lyrics helped me on so many levels. It’s been wonderful to have had some success and now be at a place in my life where I can help give back to Elton a little of what his music has given me over the years.”
Buzz Central has also received a partial list of the impressive items included in this Sunday’s live auction. Among them: an original piece of art donated by Navratilova and Slovak artist Juraj Kralik (the pair utilize a technique Navratilova calls “tennising” which involves the tennis legend hitting paint saturated tennis balls onto a blank canvas) valued at $20,000. Also on the block: an autographed piano bench by Sir Elton and King’s personal Wimbledon center court tickets.
Remaining VIP tickets are available online at www.ejaf.org/smashhits08 or by calling 404-653-0240. Tickets for the tennis action only are available at etix.com or by calling 800-514-ETIX. Reserved seat tickets range from $70 to $110 and general admission tickets are $39.50. The VIP reception begins at 11 a.m. Tennis starts at 1 p.m.
Salie tackles sticky situations with Oprah
O magazine contributor Faith Salie tackled a series of sticky social situations on Thursday’s episode of “Oprah.” For starters, the native Atlantan and popular O mag “Now What Do I Do?” columnist had to answer a question from “Michelle,” an Atlanta mom, about her 12-year-old son receiving a sexual proposition via text message from a classmate. Salie’s hand shot up to her mouth when the problem was revealed on-air.
“My opinion was in the vast minority,” the North Springs High grad told Buzz Thursday. “I felt that preserving that openness she had with her son should be the top priority since that kind of closeness between a son and mom at that age is so rare.” Salie advised that the 12-year-old politely inform his classmate that she ought not send explicit texts because his mother reads them. Oprah’s audience disagreed.
Alas, Salie’s Southern upbringing prompted her to try to bring a teaching moment to Winfrey on the telecast. “I was hoping to teach Oprah how to deliver criticism by softening the blow,” she says. “The ‘bless her heart’ theory.”
So how did that go?
“Well, I didn’t really get it out since Oprah was talking. And we all know, when Oprah is talking, you listen.”
Half-off Blige, Thicke tix
Here’s a certain economic sign of the times. How slooow are ticket sales for the hot double bill of R&B sensations Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke at Lakewood Amphitheatre this Sunday? From 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. tonight, concert fans can purchase half-price tickets to the show in the 200-level of the venue. Tickets go back to full price at midnight.
Go to ticketmaster.com or livenation.com to purchase the tickets or call 404-443-5000. Be advised: You’re still on the hook for all service charges and taxes.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Peter Coyote is 67. Singer John Prine is 62. Actor-dancer Ben Vereen is 62. Singer David Lee Roth (Van Halen) is 54. Country singer Tanya Tucker is 50. Actor Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) is 49. Actor Mario Lopez (“Saved By The Bell”, above) is 35. Singer Mya (below) is 29.
OVERSCENE
NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin happily slicing into some perfectly grilled cow at Lenox Square’s Prime Restaurant with some business colleagues. Aldrin was overheard praising the steak, saying it was the best he’d ever eaten.
Contributing: News services.
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T.I.’s third CD debuts at top of the charts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When his new CD was released last week, Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. told us: “I am doing everything I can these days to ensure success.”
Wednesday, that work paid off.
The official results are in from Billboard magazine, and T.I.’s latest CD “Paper Trail” has debuted atop The Billboard 200 charts; making it the No. 1 album in the country.
“Paper Trail” is his third straight CD to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. And it is his biggest sales week ever — with a reported 568,000 copies sold in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It also marks the third-highest first-week sales this year. Plus it is the biggest sales week for his record label, Atlantic, since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.
But the good news doesn’t stop there: T.I. also broke a record on the Hot 100, where he made the largest leap to No. 1 — a record he set himself only six weeks ago. “Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna, the latest single from “Paper Trail,” jumped from No. 80 to No. 1, replacing the T.I. single “Whatever You Like.”
And since we’re talking hometown, here’s another interesting factoid for you: T.I. is the first artist to replace himself at No. 1 on the Hot 100 since Atlanta R&B superstar Usher switched out “Burn” for “Confessions Part II” in July 2004.
Getting ‘Real’ at W
A premiere party for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” at the Perimeter W Hotel or the presidential debate that might decide the future of the nation? Several hundred people chose the former, including boxer Evander Holyfield (whose daughter works for “Housewife” Sheree Whitfield), Mark Hayes of “Good Day Atlanta,” former Falcon Chuck Smith (who knows four of the women personally) and Hot 107.9’s Rashan Ali. After the screening, the five women spent more than an hour posing for photos virtually nonstop, their thirst for attention seemingly unquenchable.
Real estate investor Gregg Leakes, “Housewife” cast member NeNe Leakes’ husband, watched on the sidelines with amusement, holding a big “wish” box his wife received as a gift from the hotel. Told he looked uncomfortable on the show, he noted, “I’m a behind-the-scenes guy.”
But he enjoyed his wife on the first episode and all the drama she created: “I love NeNe because she’s real. It’s always good to be real.”
New Birth viewing party
Want to take in the final presidential debate in a bipartisan atmosphere? New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Bishop Eddie Long is opening up his stadium-sized venue in Lithonia next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The free event will feature a Q&A discussion session led by Long, and the candidates themselves will address attendees via a live video feed message during the evening. Given New Birth’s size, the venue also could double as one-stop shopping for pollsters post-debate.
Falcons freebies
Got tickets for this Sunday’s sold-out Falcons game against the Chicago Bears at the Georgia Dome downtown? You may not want to immediately head out for the beer concession at half-time. The Falcons front office informed Buzz Central on Wednesday that R&B sensation Robin Thicke will be performing tunes from his new album, “Something Else” during halftime. Need further incentive, you say?
In a promotion with Ford, the Falcons will be handing out John Abraham action figures to the first 10,000 fans into the Dome on Sunday. One note of warning: Given the figure’s menacing stance and ripped jersey, don’t be surprised if the thing sacks you in your sleep.
OVERSCENE
Former New York Jets running back and Kyma regular Curtis Martin introducing his pal, Atlanta director Tyler Perry, to the critically acclaimed Buckhead Greek restaurant. We’re told that Kyma chef Pano Karatassos made sure the table had an order of loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), which are Martin’s faves. … Lawyer Milloy of the Atlanta Falcons ordering the gumbo and pork entree at Two Urban Licks.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“They are so good!”
Vice presidential candidate Joe Biden laughing uncontrollably (to the point of creepiness, actually) on “Good Morning America” as Diane Sawyer showed him a clip of “Saturday Night Live” cast member Jason Sudeikis’ “psycho” Biden in SNL’s vice presidential debate parody
Celebrity birthdays
R&B singer Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) is 64. Singer Jackson Browne is 60. Manager-TV personality Sharon Osbourne (“The Osbournes”) is 56. Actor Tony Shalhoub (“Monk”) is 55. Actor Steve Burns (“Blues Clues”) is 35. Singer Sean Lennon is 33. Actor Zachery Ty Bryan (“Home Improvement”) is 27. Actor Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) is 16.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho and news services
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Finding brick a special feat for gymnast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Olympic gymnast and newlywed Blaine Wilson returned to Centennial Olympic Park downtown Tuesday in search of a very special snapshot.
The now 34-year-old silver medalist was on the U.S. men’s gymnastics team during the 1996 Summer Games here.
His new wife, Aliane Baquerot, also competed in ‘96 as a rhythmic gymnast.
“She’s never been able to find her Olympic brick here,” Wilson told Buzz. “I found it for her and took a picture and sent it to her. She got a little emotional.”
Wilson concedes Atlanta has changed a lot since he competed here. “A lot of things have moved around and the skyline is different. But the aura I get walking in Centennial Olympic Park is exactly the same. It’s still really exciting.”
Wilson, who announced his retirement from the sport this spring, was in town Tuesday to promote the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars Oct. 17 at Philips Arena. Other gymnasts participating include his wife, Shawn Johnson, Chellsie Memmel, Shannon Miller and Paul Hamm.
He was also the guest of honor Tuesday at West Clayton Elementary School in College Park as part of the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers school assembly program.
The tatted-up jock dazzled the small fry by doing a back flip and walking across the assembly on his hands.
“It’s so much harder for kids to stay active now,” Wilson explained. “Recess is no longer mandatory in a lot of school systems and kids tend to sit around playing video games or hanging out on Facebook. When I was a kid, I was playing football in the street, getting all scraped up.”
Wilson says he’s enjoying his time on the 37-city superstars tour.
“I don’t have to worry about scores or judges,” he said. “I’m happy!”
Earlier this year, Wilson was toying with one last Olympic run, but he called his father from the floor during what turned out to be Wilson’s final competition.
“My dad asked, ‘Why are you calling me from the floor?!’ ” Wilson recalled. “I just told him, ‘I think I’m retired.’ It was just too taxing. He said, ‘Well, let’s get out of here then!’ “
For superstars tickets: www.gymnasticssuperstars.com.
NE-YO VISITS TYRA
Atlanta R&B singer-superstar songwriter Ne-Yo has the No. 3 album in the country (“The Year of the Gentleman”), a Grammy in his new multimillion-dollar penthouse (featured recently on VH1) and still, apparently, a few things to complain about. At 1 p.m. today on “The Tyra Banks Show,” he discusses:
• The music industry: “It’s kind of sad the way the music industry is now. Back in the day it was about your talent. It was about your accomplishments. Nowadays it’s about what celebrity you’re dating or what drug you’re doing or how many times you get arrested in a year — that’s what a lot of the press is making people pay attention to.”
• The press (or more specifically, his lack of): “I’m on my third album; I won a Grammy with my second album. I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, but these are a lot of really big accomplishments but you’ve never seen me on the cover of Vibe magazine, People magazine, Rolling Stone. I’ve heard that when somebody says ‘Ne-Yo is a great singer, Ne-Yo is a great songwriter, there’s nothing else to say about him.’ I’m like why is that not enough?”
• And that ill-fated tour with R. Kelly: “This is my personal opinion — I feel the reason he kicked me off the tour is maybe he was thinking I was stealing a little bit of his shine. Which I was not trying to do. My intent was not to outshine nobody. It was nothing like that; I actually tried to go to him and thank him for letting me get on the tour and his security people shoo’d me off like I was an annoying fan. It was a lot.”
STORK REPORT
It’s a girl!
Former “American Idol” contestant Paris Bennett has given birth to a daughter named Egypt.
Bennett was in labor for five hours before her 5-pound, 15-ounce baby was born Monday in Minneapolis.
The first-time mother is reportedly doing well.
In a news release, the 20-year-old says she’s “so excited to finally see my little angel.” Bennett adds, “Man, does she have lungs on her. I guess she’s gearing up to be the next American Idol.” See Idol Buzz.
Bennett is scheduled to release her first Christmas CD, “A Royal Christmas,” on Oct. 14. Little Egypt’s great-grandmother is Grammy-winning Fayetteville singer Ann Nesby.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Paul Hogan is 69. Actor-comedian Chevy Chase is 65. Author R.L. Stine (“Goosebumps”) is 65. Actress Sigourney Weaver is 59. Singer Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool and the Gang is 58. Comedian Darrell Hammond (“Saturday Night Live”) is 53. Actress Emily Procter (“CSI: Miami”) is 40. Actor Matt Damon is 38. Actor Nick Cannon (“Drumline”) is 28. Actor Angus T. Jones (“Two and a Half Men”) is 15.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services
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Perry opens studio with ‘Dream’ party
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“A Place Where Dreams Believe.” Guests were greeted with those words etched in glass as they entered director Tyler Perry’s lavish new film and television studios in southwest Atlanta Saturday night.
Dressed in a cream-colored tuxedo, Perry, 39, told Buzz: “There comes a time in life, when your dream takes on a life of its own. That’s what ‘A Place Where Dreams Believe’ is all about.”
Perry proceeded to politely excuse himself when he caught singer Patti LaBelle out of the corner of his eye.
The film producer dashed down the red carpet for a quick hug and kiss.
Then Buzz overheard the multi-millionaire tell the member of R&B royalty: “Excuse me, I was in the middle of an interview. I’ll see you inside!”
Miraculously, Perry then returned to the likes of us.
Our logical follow-up: Why?
Perry laughed as he looked around him at the screen legends Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson surrounding him. He shook his head and added: “This is just overwhelming to me. This abandoned building was built the same year I was born. It’s like it was here waiting for me. And to get to share this evening with these people is just unbelievable.” Quoting Poitier’s legendary line from “In the Heat of the Night,” Perry told us: “They call me Mister Tibbs.’ Sidney Poitier taught me it’s OK to demand respect as a black man. These people paved the way.”
LaBelle, clad in a gorgeous black gown and red clutch, told us admiringly: “Tyler’s like my son. I love how grounded he remains. To this day, if he approaches me at an event, he always introduces himself to my hair and makeup people. Unlike a lot of people in this business, they’re not invisible to him. That’s the key to his success.”
BASEBALL’S BEST
Both of baseball’s home-run kings were on hand to help Perry celebrate over the weekend as well.
On Tyler Perry Studios’ status as the first film and television studio owned and operated by an African-American producer, Barry Bonds (right, with his wife, Liz) told us: “This is history here tonight. What’s he’s done here is amazing. Sorry, Oprah!”
Earlier, Billye Aaron told us: “We wouldn’t have missed this for anything tonight.” Added Hank Aaron: Not only is Tyler a success but he’s giving back to this city and to southwest Atlanta by opening his studio here. Now, our black children can walk down the street here, take a look at this impressive building and say to themselves, ‘If Tyler can do it, so can I.’ That’s a lasting gift.”
ROYAL REUNION
Inside the studios Saturday night, Buzz was delighted to spot screen legends and old friends Tyson and Poitier catching up with each other.
Poitier had Tyson laughing so hard she was stomping her tiny feet. One thing Tyson takes seriously? Her now classic monologue Perry wrote for her as the matriarch in “Madea’s Family Reunion.” In the speech, delivered on the steps of a slave-quarters shack on a real plantation, Tyson takes today’s generation to task for not fully appreciating the ground that has been broken for them.
Of the scene, Tyson reflected: “I read that script, and I remember thinking, ‘It’s about time someone said this.’ And I was thrilled to be the person to get to say it.”
As Poitier posed for pictures with Perry just before having Stage 1 named for him, Poitier told the studio’s owner: “I’m glad I’m the old man here tonight and you’re the young man!”
Dressed regally in black with a white blossom in her hair? Perry fan Oprah Winfrey, who let the tears flow as an emotional Poitier was honored.
COMICS ON THE CARPET
Actor Will Smith clowned around on the red carpet with the press before striding up to “Entertainment Tonight’s” make-shift set. Resident Tyler Perry movie scene stealer Jennifer Lewis was her usual outrageous self as she announced to Buzz that she remains on the prowl for a husband. Of her comic roles in “Meet the Browns” and “Madea’s Family Reunion,” Lewis said: “Tyler knows I’m gonna bring it for him whenever he hires me. He knows he’s going to get that energy. The only time I turn it off is when I’m asleep!” As for Perry’s choice of real estate for the studio, Lewis added: “It’s right where’s it’s supposed to be. Right here. In the community. Perfect!”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
“The View” co-host Joy Behar is 66. Musician John Mellencamp is 57. Gospel singer Michael W. Smith is 51. “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell is 49. Singer Toni Braxton is 41. Singer Thom Yorke of Radiohead is 40. Singer Damian Kulash of OK Go is 33. Singer Taylor Hicks (“American Idol”) is 32.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“What else did we expect from Tyler Perry? He’s a master of knowing how to turn a phrase and how to create memorable moments. But I’m holding back the tears because I don’t want to re-do my make-up!”
Party attendee WSB anchor Monica Pearson, reflecting on the fireworks and the fragrant canopy of fresh flowers overhead as guests took “the walk of faith” to the studio’s backlot stage dedications
Contributing: News services
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ATL’s Poprah breaks out on new VH1 show
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not many people would have the audacity to create a nickname for themselves which combines P. Diddy and Oprah. Then again, most people are not like Kim “Poprah” Kearney of Duluth. She is the breakout star of VH1’s “I Want To Work For Diddy,” which concludes Monday night.
To deal with the rather demanding Diddy seems to require a certain level of humility and willingness to be subservient, traits that Poprah distinctly lacks.
The producers clearly brought her on the show to cause ripples (if not a few waves). She did not disappoint.
Several team members found her loud, obnoxious and overbearing and tried to vote her off early on.
They didn’t believe her when she skipped a strenuous challenge because of asthma.
Poprah isn’t surprised she got so much airtime. “I have the most engaging personality,” she told Buzz last week. “I’m born to be on camera”
She also doesn’t care what the other contestants thought of her. “I’m used to that,” she said. She got stuck at first, she said, “with a bunch of idiots with no experience in the business who were intimidated by me. It was all fakery, pretension and B.S.”
Last week’s episode featured a cliffhanger. Poprah was unable to get the VIP list for a party. Diddy got angry and fired her on the spot. Will she be able to talk her way back into his good graces? We’ll find out.
Poprah isn’t her first nickname. She was a minor hip-hop star in Europe in the 1990s under the name Tempest. She had already honed her drama queen skills on the ABC show “Fat March” under her real name Kim. She clashed with a personal trainer and complained nonstop before quitting after just three days, costing herself $100,000.
Radio vets named to Ga. hall of fame
The Georgia Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2008 included a couple of WSB-AM news vets and a trio of legendary Braves announcers.
The inductees, announced Saturday night, included the late Skip Caray along with Ernie Johnson and Pete Van Wieren, who helped make even the bad Braves teams sound good in the late 1970s and 1980s. WSB-AM traffic veteran reporter Capt. Herb Emory and morning host Scott Slade also made the cut.
Jackson on hold
Part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson postponed her Sunday night concert at the Philips Arena after it was determined she had not yet fully recovered from a recent illness, it was announced late Saturday.
The concert has been rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, according to a spokeswoman for tour organizer LiveNation. Tickets for Sunday’s performance will be honored on the new date. The nature of the illness has not been disclosed. More than a few fans, however, are left wondering if the pop star may just have a bun in the oven with steady Jermaine Dupri.
Random bits
Sirius radio host Howard Stern got married Friday to longtime girlfriend Beth Ostrosky, with some big-name guests watching including Kelly Ripa, the Trumps, Jimmy Kimmel, Chevy Chase, Joan Rivers, Barbara Walters and Billy Joel, who sang two songs, according to People.com …
ABC confirmed with People that beach vollyeball champ and “Dancing With the Stars” competitor Misty May-Treanor was injured Friday but won’t know until Monday if she’ll be able to continue. Details were sketchy. …
Former “Idol” runner-up and Snellville resident Diana DeGarmo unveiled new country song “Turn To Me” at Underground Atlanta Saturday during the Go Arts Month celebration. She told Buzz she is developing her country music career and her songwriting, working on a new album with John Rich and still seeking the right record label to market and distribute it.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon is 57. Actress Elisabeth Shue is 45. Singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet is 44. Actor Jeremy Sisto (“Law and Order,” “Six Feet Under”) is 34.
OVERSCENE
Netherworld Haunted House
Hawks player Josh Smith made his annual sojourn Saturday night to Netherworld Haunted House to enjoy the meat-oriented thematics and elaborate zombies. The celebrity quotient dropped off markedly after that with Davis Mallory, formerly of “Real World: Denver.”
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services.
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Ed Gordon brings ‘Promise’ bond to Morehouse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Emmy Award-winning V journalist Ed Gordon will host a town hall meeting Monday at Morehouse College to encourage strong bonds between fathers and daughters as part of an initiative called “Daddy’s Promise: A Lifetime of Love.”
Gordon, who is targeting African-American families, is touring colleges and churches across the country encouraging fathers to be actively involved in their daughters’ lives.
He also wants to talk to young people about the importance of treating women with respect.
“We are going to be candid and talk about the hypocrisy. Men want their daughters treated a certain way, but they may not be treating women themselves with respect,” Gordon told Buzz.
The town hall-style discussion will take place at 7 p.m. at Morehouse’s Sale Hall.
It’s open to the public.
Gordon, who is father to 14-year-old daughter Taylor (with him, at right) and former contributing correspondent to “Dateline,” said “Daddy’s Promise” also is designed to “salute men who are doing the right thing — and there are a whole lot of them.”
Gordon also told Buzz that Big Boi of Outkast will be on the panel with him.
Gordon is planning to return to Atlanta in the coming months to ask fathers to take the “Daddy’s Promise pledge,” in which fathers commit to being supportive, encouraging and “the best father I can be.”
Criminal Records spins to a bigger space
In this day and age of downloading and dwindling CD sales, many indie record stores are closing up shop as well. Not Criminal Records, the Little Five Points store. It’s moving to a location with triple the space.
The current Criminal Records, a jam-packed 1,800-square-foot space next to Junkman’s Daughter, will shut down Oct. 12 after a weekend of concerts, a 25-percent- off sale and “general shenanigans,” as manager Shannon Mulvaney described it to Buzz on Friday.
Soon after, the new Criminal Records will open about a block away at 1154-A Euclid Ave. N.E., in a spot with 5,500 square feet. All CDs and DVDs — and plenty more vinyl, a surprisingly hot growth area for the store — will be on the floor instead of behind the register. There will be a stage for bands to perform.
Owner Eric Levin is aware that he’s taking a big risk but said, “We’ve always done everything with no budget, seat of our pants, on a whim. I can’t think of a better time to invest more into our future, even in dark economic times.”
Criminal Records, which still generates about 70 percent of its income from music, has become a magnet for fans of local indie rock bands. “We really try to cultivate a sense of community,” Mulvaney said. “And you won’t find that snotty record store clerk attitude.”
A fair share of celebs have shopped and performed there, from Bruce Springsteen to the Indigo Girls to Beck. Buzz’s favorite visit? Techno musician Moby in 2005, who spent nearly three hours sipping tea one on one with 200 fans to promote his oddball cookbook “Teany Book.”
Italian writer to give ‘Confessions’ at Emory
Renowned Italian novelist Umberto Eco, who wrote “The Name of the Rose,” will be in Atlanta this weekend to give a series of free lectures at Emory University. Eco calls the series “Confessions of a Young Novelist,” which might seem a strange title for a 75-year-old whose works of fiction have sold many millions of copies.
“He didn’t start writing until he was 50, so even though he’s 75, he still considers himself a young novelist,” said Ron Schuchard, an English professor at Emory and founder of the Richard Ellmann Lectures in Modern Literature.
Eco is scheduled to deliver three lectures, give a reading and attend a book signing during his three days here. On Sunday morning, he’s scheduled to have brunch at the Buckhead mansion of Ted Turner’s son, Rhett Turner, and Rhett’s Italian-born wife, Angela Della Costanza Turner, who is said to be a big fan of Eco’s writing, said Schuchard.
For more information about the lectures: www.emory.edu/ellmann.
Falcons player’s party tackles hurricane relief
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux will celebrate his 27th birthday Oct. 12 at the Velvet Room.
The party begins at 10 p.m. And many of his teammates have confirmed they’ll be in attendance, including Keith Brooking, Michael Turner and D.J. Shockley, according to publicist Cherry Bañez. A portion of the proceeds will go to the hurricane victims in Port Arthur, Texas, Babineaux’s hometown.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Author Anne Rice is 67. Actress Susan Sarandon is 62. Actor Bill Fagerbakke (“Coach,” “SpongeBob SquarePants”) is 51. Rap producer Russell Simmons is 51. Singer Jon Secada is 47. Actress Alicia Silverstone is 32. Actress Rachael Leigh Cook (“Josie and the Pussycats,” “She’s All That”) is 29.
Contributing: Rodney Ho, Kirsten Tagami and news services.
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‘Star Wars’ rules in TV exec’s galaxy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks to Cartoon Network’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the hot new LucasFilm series debuting at 9 tonight on the Atlanta-based basic cable channel, CN animation president Stuart Snyder already has the Force with him.
But Friday, for good measure, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall also will present Snyder with a city proclamation announcing that Friday is ” ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Day in Atlanta.”
It’s only appropriate that Snyder should accept the honor since he spearheaded the LucasFilm-Cartoon Network partnership after he took over at CN in 2007.
“I flew out and they showed me four episodes in a screening room,” Snyder told Buzz on Thursday. “When the lights came up, I told the LucasFilm folks, ‘You had me at hello.’ “
The city proclamation honors will take place in the gymnasium at Atlanta’s Benteen Elementary School. But in an attempt to stave off a completely boring civics lesson for small fry, Snyder is bringing along a copy of the first episode of “Clone Wars” to screen for students. A costumed clone trooper will be on hand to deliver a Death Star-full of “Star Wars”-themed books for the school’s library as well. Students also will score posters and temporary tattoos after the screening.
Alas, Snyder himself will not be dressed as a storm trooper. Still, he understands the devotion to the sci-fi franchise. He saw the original “Star Wars” flick in the theater in 1977 as a teenager.
“I’ve picked out an outfit to wear but I’ll probably leave the costumes to somebody else,” Snyder said, laughing. “I’ve always loved the ‘Star Wars’ series and the world George Lucas created. But I never redecorated my living room.”
He’s hoping that when the first show airs tonight, it’s an opportunity for dads who grew up on the franchise and their kids to watch together.
Said Snyder: “I’ve been inundated with e-mails from dads who are essentially telling me, ‘Thanks for messing up my Friday nights!’ But that’s what we were going for. Hopefully, we’ve got event television happening here.”
CRAFT-ING A DEBUT
The signage is lit outside New York restaurateur Tom Colicchio’s Craft Atlanta eatery at the Mansion on Peachtree in Buckhead. And on Thursday, Buzz Central finally received word when Atlantans might get a peek inside and a taste of Craft. The 135-seat restaurant will begin accepting reservations on Nov. 15. Colicchio also has named Kevin Maxey as chef de cuisine for the Buckhead property. Maxey most recently helmed the kitchen at Craft Dallas. We’re told that Atlantans can expect an “upscale, contemporary American menu of straightforward dishes that showcase the integrity of a single ingredient.” Dishes will be served family-style and will include menu items such as beet and Roquefort blue cheese salad, roasted scallops with vermouth butter and lemon beignets with lemon curd.
Our take, judging from what we’ve seen on recent drive-bys of the bare-bones interior of the eatery? Colicchio may want to hire an additional construction crew (or two) or some industrious Disney cartoon mice to work on the very unfinished joint to hit that holiday deadline. For info: www.craftrestaurant.com or call 404-955-7580.
TIME TO REGISTER
As the Monay deadline to register to vote nears, the local star power encouraging you to register bumps up its wattage. For example, Bow Wow is taking a brief break from his hip-hop career (his next CD is titled “New Jack City, Part II” ), his TV endeavors (he’s on this season’s “Entourage”) and his movie star duties (his upcoming film with Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is “Hurricane Season”) to launch his Walk Across America campaign. He’ll be traveling by foot and bus to at least 12 other cities, stopping at colleges, universities and radio stations to encourage 18- to 30-year-olds, in particular, to register.
And from 1 to 3 p.m today, local R&B singer songwriter Keri Hilson is scheduled to join BET’s Dorion Standberry at Clark Atlanta University for a voter registration drive/performance at the Vibe Yardfest. And this evening, Atlanta actor Boris Kodjoe is hosting another registration initiative — and fashion show — at Uptown Restaurant and Lounge (201 Courtland St.) with renowned DJ Kid Capri.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Chubby Checker is 67. Magician Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy is 64. Singer-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is 59. Drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) is 46. Singer Gwen Stefani of No Doubt is 39. Singer Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys is 37. Singer India Arie is 33. Actor Seann William Scott (“Dukes of Hazzard,” “American Pie”) is 32. Singer Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is 24.
WE HEAR THAT…
Former Atlanta Braves player Brian Jordan is still looking for a few fellow motorcycle riders for Sunday’s Ride to Combat Domestic Violence. Jordan is serving as grand marshal of the event benefiting the Women’s Resource Center for Domestic Violence. The ride will begin and end at Perimeter Mall at 1400 Ashford Dunwoody Road. Registration starts at 9 a.m. For info: www.dekalbsheriffsreserve.org.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services
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Janet Jackson’s Philips show still a go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson is out of a Montreal hospital but questions remain about why she was admitted.
The 42-year-old singer became “suddenly ill” and was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday night shortly before her scheduled concert in Montreal, which was canceled, according to a statement released by W&W Public Relations.
Jackson was at Royal Victoria but released two hours later, said Rebecca Burns, representative for McGill University Health Centre, which runs the hospital. Representatives for Jackson would not elaborate on her condition, simply saying that she was ill and was “recuperating.”
Meanwhile, Jackson’s shows in Boston and Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday night were postponed. She is now due to resume her tour in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday. She’s booked to hit the stage at Philips Arena on Sunday night.
SYMPHONY WILL HELP YOU CAR POOL
The endless loops of long gas lines on her television screen this week have inspired Atlanta Symphony Orchestra CEO Allison Vulgamore.
That’s why the ASO has quickly partnered with eRideShare.com so symphony patrons can use alternative travel methods for concert dates at Symphony Hall in Midtown and at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta beginning tonight. Concertgoers are encouraged to visit asorideshare.erideshare.com and enter the group name “ASOPatron.” On the Web site, users will be linked to message boards with car pooling concertgoers in your neighborhood.
“With so much uncertainty about fuel supplies, we wanted a way to offer our patrons an alternative to the find-the-fuel game going on out there,” Vulgamore explained Wednesday. Taking a tip from ASO employees who have started car pooling into work at the Woodruff Arts Center this week, the organization set up the eRideShare.com option.
Vulgamore is hopeful that solution will continue to be used this season, even after gas lines dissipate.
Thursday night, Friday and Saturday, the ASO will offer its “B-Loved: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms” concert conducted by Robert Spano. At Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre this weekend, Alan Jackson performs Saturday night and the Black Crowes with Phil Lesh are booked Sunday night.
“We just felt that everyone could use a good dose of music right now with everything going on,” Vulgamore told Buzz. “We didn’t want the gas situation and transportation issues to get in the way.”
As for Vulgamore and Spano, they have commutes many of us would kill for. They both live in Midtown and walk to work.
OVERSCENE
Elton John buying six 2 1/2-ounce bottles of Creed “Love in Black” perfume at the Lenox Square mall Neiman Marcus. Retail price per bottle? $230. … Rapper/actor Bow Wow stocking up on veggies at the Buckhead Whole Foods salad bar.
FINNERAN GOES ‘FACE TO FACE’
Want to congratulate Atlanta Falcons receiver Brian Finneran on his impressive comeback this year after that lengthy knee surgery rehab left him out of action for two seasons? Pop into the ESPN Zone in Buckhead tonight at 7:30 when Finneran will be the featured guest during the taping of 11Alive’s weekly “Falcons Face-to-Face” pregame show.
The taping is open to the public and fans in attendance will have the chance to win prizes, including Falcons tickets and gear, and a chance to score Finneran’s John Hancock. The show will air Saturday at 7 p.m.
NEWMAN NIGHT AND DAY
Atlanta-based Turner Classic Movies has scrapped its schedule and booked a full 24 hours to pay tribute to late Hollywood icon Paul Newman on Oct. 12. The actor died last weekend at the age of 83.
The blues eyes will start sparkling at 6 a.m. with “The Rack” (1956).
Other Newman films on the schedule include: “Until They Sail” (1957); “Torn Curtain” (1966); “Exodus” (1960); “Sweet Bird of Youth” (1962); “Hud” (1963); “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956); “Cool Hand Luke” (1967); “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958); and Newman’s directorial debut, “Rachel, Rachel” (1968), which co-stars his wife, Joanne Woodward.
The finale, at 4 a.m., is “The Outrage” (1964), co-starring Edward G. Robinson, Laurence Harvey and William Shatner.
We’re told that TCM host Robert Osborne is readying special intros and outros for the evening’s prime-time lineup that will be taped next week.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Don McLean is 63. Guitarist Mike Rutherford of Genesis is 58. Musician Sting is 57. Actress Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos”) is 54. Country singer Gillian Welch is 41. Actress-talk show host Kelly Ripa is 38. Singer Tiffany is 37. Gospel singer and former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa is 32.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You have to give me credit, as far as relationships crashing and burning go, come on, I did pretty great. I mean, scorch that earth!”
“Rachel Getting Married” actress Anne Hathaway discussing her ex, accused money launderer Rafaello Follieri, on “Letterman”
Contributing: News services
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5 chefs have their way with 5 pigs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you give a chef a pig, you end up with a barbecue. If you give five chefs five pigs, then you have a porkfest for the history books. Such was the scene at Five Seasons Brewing Co. in Sandy Springs on Monday night, where more than 200 porkaterians bellied up to the trough for a fund-raiser called “Amuse Cochon.” Each of five cheftestants received a heritage-breed pig and prepared it any way they saw fit. The crowd, along with a panel of judges, rated the porcine offerings for creativity, classic appeal and best overall taste. Jay Swift of 4th and Swift in the Old Fourth Ward won the creativity award for his lineup of whole-animal yummies, including head cheese, truffled pate and pork confit. Allan Benton, who has a top-rated smokehouse in Tennessee, walked off in the classic category with his assortment of hams and bacon. Kevin Rathbun scored the top award for best overall taste with a taco stuffed with roast pork and cracklin’s in a homemade hoisin sauce. (The two other competitors were Todd Mussman of Muss and Turner’s and the kitchen crew at the Five Seasons.) Hoisting his pig-topped trophy in the air, Rathbun proclaimed, “This’ll be on the hood of my car.”
A taste of ‘Hell’ So you think maybe you should be a cheftestant? It might be your lucky day. Or unlucky. “Hell’s Kitchen,” Fox’s sometimes sizzling, sometimes silly look into chef Gordon Ramsay’s demented way of running a kitchen (last season he threw up in a trash can after tasting a contestant’s food), is having an open casting call here. If you’re a chef, cook or otherwise culinary-related professional, you’re eligible to take your chances at the show’s open call at Artistry restaurant in Midtown. The date: Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We’re trying to focus more on established chefs this season,” said Louis A. Caric, “Hell’s Kitchen” casting producer, “but of course we welcome any Cinderella stories out there.” After all, Atlanta’s Julia Williams, a Waffle House cook, made it all the way to the top four in Season 4. The open call will consist of an application and verbal interview; applicants winnowed from these will be asked to callbacks. More information: www.fox.com/hellskitchen.com.
Usher’s golden tickets on auction Only three days remain for you to put in your bid for the Usher Premium Seat Meet and Greet Auction. For Usher’s hometown date on his new tour — Nov. 10 at the Tabernacle — regular tickets are $101 and $126. If you want to spend more, Ticketmaster is having an auction where the winners get premium seats and entry into a “meet and greet” with Usher, as well as a sound check party. Last Buzz checked, the minimum bid was $145. Ex-Falcon Dunn back on runway Former Atlanta Falcon Warrick Dunn will be back in town Oct. 13 for his foundation’s sixth annual gala, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Buckhead Westin. The bash features music, live and silent auctions and Dunn and fellow athletes modeling the latest fashion (last year he sported a fur coat during one turn down the catwalk). Tickets are $175. Information and tickets: www.warrickdunnfoundation.org. TV host Bush breaks into radio Billy Bush, seen daily at 7 p.m. on WAGA as host of “Access Hollywood,” appears to be emulating fellow fair-haired TV personality Ryan Seacrest by dabbling in radio, too. Bush can now be heard on a syndicated nightly show on Q100 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. “There’s something so much more visceral about radio,” Bush told Buzz on Tuesday. “And it’s much harder than reading a TelePrompTer.” He said radio is another outlet to break news and do celebrity interviews that can’t be done on camera. He also said he’s not going to just regurgitate stories from the Web or other TV shows. So far on Q100, he is doing mostly pre-taped pop culture bits a few times an hour between songs.
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Leon protege nearly misses ‘Senior Year’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Acworth actor Justin Martin had almost given up on landing a role in “High Musical 3: Senior Year,” the upcoming second sequel of the Disney tween gold mine franchise.
“The casting directors told me I was just too small,” Martin, 14, tells Buzz.
Then “High School Musical” director Kenny Ortega saw Martin’s audition tape and wanted to know why he hadn’t had a chance to see Justin.
“After a few weeks went by, I got the call,” Martin recalls. “It was amazing. Kenny is a wonderful director and a great guy to work with.”
There was an extensive four-month shoot for the upcoming Oct. 24 theatrical release, and weeks of rehearsal before that. In the film, Martin plays a new character, Donny, who’s a sophomore with a crazy friend Jimmy, a fellow underclassman and a girl-crazy would-be rocker.
“My character is the more calm guy who tries to keep Jimmy from falling off the face of the Earth,” Martin explains. “He’s the stage manager. The guy who helps his friends from going crazy.”
Martin says some of the elaborate musical numbers in the family-friendly film took a week or more to create. He’s well aware that his profile is about to be enhanced substantially when “High School Musical 3” hits theaters next month.
“I never would have thought I’d ever get to be a part of such a huge phenomenon,” he says.
Even at 14, Martin is an amazingly centered young man. His old True Colors Theatre mentor Kenny Leon cast him last year in the new ABC TV movie version of “A Raisin in the Sun.” He played Sean “Diddy” Combs’ son in the critically acclaimed film (now out on DVD) without being intimidated by the hip-hop impresario.
“When I’m on the job, I don’t really get star-struck,” Martin told us. “I’m able to keep my focus.”
Martin says he learned that level of professionalism at an early age working with Leon at Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre: “Kenny has really helped me to craft myself as an actor. He gave me an important piece of advice — don’t act, become the person.”
A TASTE OF THE TOUR
Normally, we pop into the Palm at the Westin Buckhead to hear general manager Willy Cellucci spin a yarn as juicy as his joint’s steaks. But the other night, Cellucci was prepped for show as well as tell. In honor of the annual Tour Championship taking place at East Lake Golf Club, Cellucci had commissioned an impressive new PGA Hall of Fame mural that now greets guests at the eatery’s entrance.
“We wanted to do something special to honor the guys,” said Cellucci, himself an avid golfer. “They’re such good guys, and so many of them have become Palm customers over the years. It’s a pretty impressive group of guys I’ve gotten to meet over the years,”
Included in the mural, accented with a lush grass background that took a week to create: David Toms, Stewart Cink, Aaron Baddeley, Rocco Mediate, Butch Harmon and Mark Calcavecchia.
Among those swinging a club at this year’s Tour Championship spotted sawing into a steak at the Palm last week: Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Mike Weir and Tim Clark.
‘BEAUTIFUL’ INTERACTIVITY
To commemorate its 10th annual “Most Beautiful Atlantans” issue, Jezebel magazine is asking readers to nominate themselves this year.
“It’s a way of being interactive and by now, most of our readers know we’re looking for more than just outer beauty,” Jezebel editor Beth Weitzman explained over lunch.
So, we had to ask: Do most Jez readers, er, embody the necessary levels of self-esteem to nominate themselves, or do friends do it for them?
“Believe it or not, most people nominate themselves!” Weitzman said laughing. “You’ve got to be pretty self-confident to do that.”
Weitzman stresses this isn’t just a beauty contest.
“We’re looking for people who are involved in their communities, who are giving back to the city. Otherwise, we’d just call it the Models Issue!”
To nominate yourself, go to jezebelmagazine.com by Friday.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Author Elie Wiesel is 80. Singer Johnny Mathis is 73. Actor Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”) is 54. Country singer Marty Stuart is 50. Singer Trey Anastasio (Phish) is 44. Actor Kieran Culkin is 26. Rapper T-Pain is 24.
TRANSITIONS
The Clubhouse restaurant at Lenox Square has quietly shuttered its doors in its prime storefront location at the Buckhead retail emporium. When Buzz attempted to phone Monday for an explanation, we were greeted with a recorded message saying the restaurant’s number had been disconnected.
SICK BAY UPDATE
Part-time Atlantan turned “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Toni Braxton confirmed to B98.5FM’s Steve and Vikki Monday that her recent heart ailments (she suffers from angina attacks) haven’t hampered her high-stepping on the ABC reality show. “At first, I was a little scared to work,” the singer said. “It was scary, but I’m OK.”
As a safety measure, Braxton says she’s examined by her cardiologist before and after each live “Dancing” performance.
Contributing: News services
